Learning About Vaccines for Adults Without a Working Spleen

Why do you need vaccines if you don't have a working spleen?

The spleen is an organ in the upper left side of the belly that filters the blood. It helps the immune system by fighting certain types of bacteria. If your spleen is removed or doesn't work, your body will be less able to fight some serious infections. Vaccines (given in shots) help prevent these infections.

If you know in advance that you will have your spleen removed, you can get certain vaccines before your surgery.

Which vaccines do you need?

If you don't have a working spleen, the vaccines you will need will vary with your age and what vaccines you may have already had. Your doctor can recommend what vaccines you need.

In general, the vaccines recommended if you don't have a spleen include:

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
• Influenza.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY).
• Meningococcal B (MenB).
• Pneumococcal vaccine.

You may need other vaccines if you have not had these routine vaccines or your doctor thinks you are at risk. They may include:

• COVID-19.
• Hepatitis A (HepA).
• Hepatitis B (HepB).
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR).
• Mpox.
• Poliovirus (IPV).
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Rotavirus.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap, Td).
• Varicella (chickenpox).
• Zoster (shingles).

What are the risks?

Most side effects from vaccines are minor, if they occur at all. You may have redness, mild swelling, or soreness where the shot was given. You also may have a slight fever. Serious reactions, such as trouble breathing or a high fever, are rare.

If you have an unusual reaction, call your doctor.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.